A man has been charged for the murder of a woman who was set on fire while on a subway in New York.

The man responsible for the horrific death of a sleeping woman on a New York City subway train has been formally charged with murder and arson. This tragic incident took place at the Coney Island station on Sunday morning, when the accused, Sebastian Zapeta, allegedly lit the victim on fire and then watched as she burned. The Brooklyn District Attorney, Eric Gonzalez, described the act as malicious and noted the vulnerability of the victim, who was simply trying to rest on the subway.
Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen who had entered the US illegally, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. During questioning by police, he reportedly claimed to have no knowledge of the events, citing his alcohol consumption. However, he was identified through photos and surveillance videos as the perpetrator. Initially charged with murder and arson, Zapeta now faces a grand jury indictment, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. His attorney declined to comment after a brief court hearing where the indictment was announced.
The victim's identity is still unknown, as authorities continue to work on identifying her through fingerprints and advanced DNA techniques. It is a heartbreaking situation, as Gonzalez acknowledged the possibility of a devastated family, despite the victim's apparent homelessness. He also emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the victim and her loved ones.
Zapeta's last known address is a shelter that provides support for individuals struggling with substance abuse. It was also revealed that he had been deported in 2018 but had returned to the US illegally. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has directed the police to explore criminal charges against Zapeta under the federal arson statute, in addition to the state charges brought by the Brooklyn District Attorney. Gonzalez believes that the people of Brooklyn, who will serve on the jury, should be the ones to decide the fate of the accused, as the crime took place in their community.
This tragic event has sparked conversations about safety in the city's public transportation system. While overall crime in the subway is relatively low, there has been an increase in homicides this year, with nine reported cases compared to five last year. This number, however, does not include the victims of the subway incidents, such as the woman who was burned to death and the man who was stabbed on the same day. Such high-profile attacks have caused fear and unease among the millions of New Yorkers who use the subway daily. Mayor Adams acknowledged the impact of these incidents on the psyche of the city and emphasized the need for improved safety measures.

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